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Improper use of ladders are one of the leading causes of accidents and injuries in the U.S. For its seventh year, the American Ladder Institute (ALI) is sponsoring National Ladder Safety Month to raise awareness on ladder safety. They hope to decrease the number of ladder-related injuries and fatalities both at home and in the workplace by focusing on learning how to use this equipment safely. Use the right type of ladder for the job and maintain good climbing habits to avoid falling.Just about …

Millions of Americans work in the construction industry, from laborers to managers and beyond. Construction work puts employees at risk of many hazards because of the sheer number of conditions involved. Temperature extremes, traffic, atmospheric hazards, electrical and fire injuries, and so many other dangers are present and can result in construction accidents. Before anyone even sets foot on a build site, employers must ensure that construction site safety, including providing personal pro …

Accidents can still happen no matter how much foresight goes into a job to prevent them. For workers working at elevated heights, that accident could be a tool suddenly falling off a ledge, potentially striking someone below you. A falling tool or object can easily cause a serious injury or even death. If an eight-pound wrench falls 200 feet down, it can approach a speed of nearly 80 miles an hour—no matter how great your head protection is, that’s a lot of force in a very small area that a l …

The Self-Retracting Devices (SRDs) Standard has been revised. The new standard is set to go into effect on August 01, 2022, but employers should start preparing for the new ANSI/ASSP Z359.14 2021 as soon as possible to make sure they comply with the law. These guidelines have been changed periodically over the years as new regulations take precedence in the industry. The standard was last revised in 2014, but the latest iteration contains new information for employers and SRD users.New Requ …

Before using your fall protection equipment, you need to inspect it for deficiencies. Even small amounts of damage can affect your protection in a big way. Damaged or defective gear should immediately be removed from service, especially if it’s been used in a fall before, because it won’t protect you as it did before. We have an overview of areas you should look over before donning your gear and working at heights. For harnesses and other fall protection equipment, it’s helpful to think of …

Being far above the ground is a hazard all on its own, but it’s not the only hazard that comes with elevated work. Sharp and leading edges are some of the biggest hazards that can affect fall protection. Sharp edges are edges that aren’t completely rounded and have the potential to completely sever most lifelines. A leading edge is any situation where a worker is exposed to a potential fall over the edge of a work surface. Both types of edges present their own hazards, and a worksite …